Equipment Breakdown / Machinery Breakdown Cover

Protecting marine engines, onboard machinery, electronics & critical operating systems

Insure24 is a commercial insurance broker. We can help businesses organise and present information about their equipment, operations, locations, responsibilities and controls to suitable insurer markets. Availability, cover and terms depend on the individual risk, disclosure, underwriting and policy wording.

This page provides general information only. Examples of equipment, events and policy sections do not confirm that a particular risk, activity, loss or cost will be accepted or covered.

Marine, Vessel & Mechanical Breakdown Insurers

  • Allianz insurance logo
  • Aviva insurance logo
  • QBE insurance logo
  • RSA insurance logo
  • Zurich insurance logo
  • NIG insurance logo

Specialist Cover for Marine Engines & Critical Machinery

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    ENGINE FAILURE

  • Insure24 Content Icon

    NAVIGATION ELECTRONICS

  • Insure24 Content Icon

    HYDRAULICS & WINCHES

  • Insure24 Content Icon

    ONBOARD SYSTEMS

Why Equipment Breakdown Insurance Matters

Commercial vessels depend on reliable engines, machinery, hydraulics and electronic systems. A mechanical or electrical failure can put vessels out of operation, interrupt fishing schedules, delay cargo or compromise safety at sea.

This insurance covers repair, replacement and associated costs - ensuring operations recover quickly from unexpected breakdowns.

What Equipment Breakdown Insurance Covers

Specialist cover designed for fishing vessels, marine workboats, commercial fleet operators and offshore vessels.


  • Main engine breakdown - mechanical or electrical failure
  • Gearbox, shafts & propulsion system failures
  • Hydraulic system damage (winches, cranes, pot haulers)
  • Generator breakdown & electrical system faults
  • Fuel system contamination or failure
  • Navigation electronics breakdown (GPS, sonar, radar)
  • Onboard refrigeration & storage system failure
  • Cover for sudden, unforeseen breakdowns
  • Optional: Breakdown causing catch spoilage
  • Optional: Loss of revenue / downtime cover

Common Causes of Marine Equipment Breakdown


  • Wear and tear causing mechanical failure
  • Whether saltwater corrosion affecting engines or electronics is insured must be checked against the proposed wording and exclusions
  • Overloading of hydraulic systems
  • Electrical surges or wiring faults
  • Fuel contamination or blockages
  • Overheating of generators or propulsion units
  • Accidental damage to onboard equipment
  • Cooling system failures

Why Marine Operators Choose Insure24


  • Specialist marine & mechanical breakdown insurers
  • Tailored cover for workboats, fishing vessels & fleet operators
  • Claims arrangements depend on the insurer and policy terms
  • Premiums, limits and terms depend on the risk and underwriting
  • Knowledgeable team supporting commercial marine operators

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Does this cover sudden mechanical breakdown?

Sudden and unforeseen breakdowns to engines, gearboxes, hydraulics and electrical systems can be reviewed, but availability, cover and terms depend on the individual risk, disclosure, underwriting and policy wording.

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Does this include navigation electronics?

Yes - GPS, radar, sonar, depth sounders and other navigation systems may be insured.

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Does it cover wear and tear?

No - standard exclusions apply, but failure caused by sudden internal damage can still be covered.

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Can it include loss of income?

Yes - optional downtime or loss of revenue cover can be added for commercial operators.

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Is breakdown during fishing operations covered?

Yes - breakdown occurring during active fishing or commercial use can be included depending on policy terms.

Related Covers

Continue with related marine-equipment pages on all-risks damage, electronics, downtime, hired plant and the difference between breakdown and wear-and-tear exclusions.